All Year 8 students were introduced to the Gumbaynggirr language whether they were Aboriginal or not, principal Hilton Humphries said.

"It (the centre) is about recognising language in our school," Mr Humphries said.

"And, it (Gumbaynggirr) is about recognising the Aboriginal people.

"We have a large population of Aboriginal students."

Mr Humphries described the centre as a great facility, which was well-utilised by the school.

Language teacher Edrica Jarrett said many of the students had picked up the Gumbaynggirr language easily. Many had previously learned Japanese, which helped them learn her native tongue easier, she said.

She said teaching Gumbaynggirr – which had been banned by the authorities for many years – was an emotional and happy part of her life.